Firstly, apologies if this already appears elsewhere on the forum, but I can't find it in the Octy mk3 section.

 

We want to tow a caravan with our new 2.0 TDI elegance estate, so we need to not only power the 'van lighting but also recharge it's leisure battery when on the move; so the factory tow bar prep looked like a sensible idea, so it was added to the spec.

 

I then found some comments that suggested that the factory prep did not include the battery charging line, and that this would have to be added by the tow bar fitter, post production. I then spoke to a couple of the national tow bar fitters who confirmed this, effectively  cancelling out any advantage of the factory prep.

 

I then left a message with the dealer to cancel the tow bar prep. However, the car has now been allocated build week 9, and I have been told that it is too late to amend the spec.

 

OK, so far, a bit disappointing. However, when I explained all this to the dealer he double checked and now tells me that the modern, 13 pin connector supplied with the current ('14) factory prep kit contains a charging circuit, and that all I will need to do is to fit a tow bar, which can be fitted by the dealer before I collect the car.

 

Happy days! ...any comments?

 

Order the towbar through the dealers now and get everything in writting with regards to the charging of the caravan's leisure battery. If the unthinkable happens and the leisure battery dosen't charge you can at least take the car back and ask why, I know they'll tell you "you've gotta have the caravan re-wired to the modern 13 pin charging setup" but, thats what getting a new car is all about right.

 

Regards

T

Thanks TMWNM, that is my plan. I am still not 100% convinced that it will turn out as it should, but, if as you say, the dealer fits the tow bar then I am also covered for any silly warranty hassles, as well as any charging problems.  

No I wouldn't be convinced by someone in a suit selling me something but, if they put it in writting on company letter-headed paper I know I have a form of redress.

 

Regards

T

The words from the dealer:

 

`The tow  bar fitting will have a 13 pin connector.

This will be suitable for any item that uses this connection.

And have all the functionality that a 13 pin connector should have.

As long as your caravan has a 13 pin connection to run all the things there in then the tow bar we supply will be all you need.'

 

Thats OK then.

Will also be fitting a tow bar to my vrs in near future. Dealer told me after getting towbar prep that it only really covers some European legislation about towbar electrics? Glad to hear that it is a bit more that that. I had heard previously that the towbar prep provided the correct wiring looms to allow things like reverse sensors to switch off when trailer or caravan connected? Anyone else aware of this?

Cheers,

Steve

 I had heard previously that the towbar prep provided the correct wiring looms to allow things like reverse sensors to switch off when trailer or caravan connected? 

 

Well, Steve, if it doesn't, the dealer is not going to get my cheque for the balance.

Factory fit tow bar on my vrs & I can confirm it doesn't charge the battery, run the fridge etc whilst towing

Factory fit tow bar on my vrs & I can confirm it doesn't charge the battery, run the fridge etc whilst towing

 

Did it come with a 13 pin connector?

 

Factory fit tow bar on my vrs & I can confirm it doesn't charge the battery, run the fridge etc whilst towing

 

NOT FIT FOR PUROSE so, send it back

Regards

T

Yes has the 13pin plug but the charging kit has not been released yet apparently

Just found this via search - sounds like it does now come with the charging system for 2014 vehicles?  My 'van (and trailer, and other towcar) are all the older 7 pin - I think I read it comes with a converter or am I going to have to assume the position and lube up for a 13 > 2*7 pin lead?

 

I had it in my mind that going with the prep allows it to have the parking sensors disengaged/tweaked whereas a full aftermarket might not.  Given some apparent issues with recoding MQB cars, it might not be available unless factory set to allow the recoding?

 

When's yours due, C4miles?

Just found this via search - sounds like it does now come with the charging system for 2014 vehicles?  My 'van (and trailer, and other towcar) are all the older 7 pin - I think I read it comes with a converter or am I going to have to assume the position and lube up for a 13 > 2*7 pin lead?

 

I had it in my mind that going with the prep allows it to have the parking sensors disengaged/tweaked whereas a full aftermarket might not.  Given some apparent issues with recoding MQB cars, it might not be available unless factory set to allow the recoding?

 

When's yours due, C4miles?

 

Hi Phil. The dealer was going to provide the 13>2x7 converter, but the 'van has a 13 pin connector, so no need.

 

I have asked the dealer to install the hook assembly when the car arrives, for the reasons you give and to avoid warranty problems.

 

In another thread, I have asked for recommendations for extended door mirrors, any ideas?

 

I have been allocated build week 9, and I hope to collect at the end of March. 

Mine will be a company car via a leasing company so it will be so much easier to get it fitted by Skoda (factory/dealer as necessary) rather than try and retrofit.  As you say, there is also the issue of warranty, effectively covered if taking the "official" route even if it might not be the cheapest.

 

The last car I fitted towing mirrors to I used some wierd angled spider legged items I got from Towsure.  I don't have them any more so will be looking myself.